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- 1. Unakite
- 2. The History and Meaning of Unakite
- 3. Metaphysical and Chemical Properties of Unakite
- 4. Healing Properties of Unakite
- 5. Metaphysical Properties of Unakite
- 6. Unakite for Sale Courtesy of KenKenGems
Unakite
Clay soil overgrown with moss, ripe berries adjoining lush greenery, the plumage of exotic birds - these associations occur when you look at unakite. This wondrous creation of nature blends the warmth of red and the cold of green, and it does it with the utmost creativity.
The History and Meaning of Unakite
For the first time, unakite was noticed at the end of the 19th century. Back then, gemologists were doing research for mining purposes in the Unaka mountain range, located in the US states of North Carolina and Tennessee. The mountains became an inspiration for the name of the mineral, unakite. It is also occasionally called unakite jasper. Subsequent geological exploration made it possible to discover unakite in other regions of the United States. In particular, it can be found in the rivers of Virginia and on the shores of Lake Superior, where it was brought by glacier movements.
With attractive moss-on-brick patterns and the properties of granite, the stone is utilized in both crafts and architecture. The steps of the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History are trimmed with unakite slabs. We could probably see unakite more often in historical buildings but its deposits are not large enough.
Over time, unakite was discovered in Ireland, Russia, Myanmar, China, Austria, and France. There are also mines in a number of African countries (Mozambique, Sierra Leone, Zimbabwe, South Africa), where the stone was used to make weapons and, in particular, arrowheads.
Metaphysical and Chemical Properties of Unakite
Unakite stone is a rare and extraordinarily beautiful variety of granite. Structurally, this composite mineral consists of feldspar, crystalline epidote, and quartz. In fact, it is an igneous rock that belongs to the class of silicates. The mineral occurs when highly mineralized groundwater rich in calcium washes granite massifs. Over the course of time, water removes magnesium and potassium from granite and replaces them with epidote. This process is called epidotization (alteration) of rock. Hence the other name of the mineral, epidotized granite.
The stone has an opaque crystalline structure. The most common are prismatic, straight, and columnar forms of crystals.
In terms of physical properties, unakite is almost identical to granites. The stone is hard, dense, and has no cracks. Its hardness is 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale, which makes it suitable for all kinds of jewelry.
The color of the mineral depends on the predominance of impurities in its composition. The most common are shades of red and green in various combinations. Uneven distribution of epidote in the structure of the rock creates variegated patches.
Unakite boasts numerous chaotically-arranged inclusions and layered veins of brown, red-brown, orange, whitish, green, and bluish hues, which give the stone a great artistic value. When polished, unakite acquires a distinct silky matte sheen, unlike most types of granite that have a vitreous luster.
Healing Properties of Unakite
Unakite is not a panacea for every disease but it can help alleviate their symptoms, accelerate recovery time, and even prevent their occurrence. Both lithotherapists and folk healers appreciate the stone for its ability to improve female health, especially, if a patient experiences difficulties with conception and pregnancy. It also reduces the risk of malignant tumors in the reproductive organs.
Aside from that, unakite has a positive effect on metabolism. With its help, you can lose weight, reduce appetite, improve the functioning of the digestive organs, and normalize the balance of fluids.
Unakite beads safeguard against viral and respiratory diseases. Worn around the neck and chest, they protect the lungs and respiratory tract from the action of bacteria and viruses, reduce inflammation, and promote sputum expectoration.
Another application of the mineral is massagers. They are used to eliminate edema, accelerate the treatment of bruises and hematomas, and relieve pain in the sciatica. Unakite massagers can also be of use in the treatment of inflammatory processes.
Items made of unakite should not be transferred to another person. Instead, you must be the only one who wears an amulet or piece of jewelry crafted from the stone. It is because the mineral is able to focus on the energy of a person who owns it. In this case, it will be able to accumulate and share its healing vibrations.
Metaphysical Properties of Unakite
Unakite magic and esoteric properties are as varied as its therapeutic ones. The stone helps find harmony with oneself and neutralize the negativity coming from the environment, which is critical in today's stressful life. A harmonious person is confident in their ideals, beliefs, and capabilities, and this is half the battle to succeed in their endeavors. Along with that, the stone facilitates establishing and strengthening relations with other people.
Unakite is beneficial for those who cannot part with the past that interferes with the present. In a similar vein, it aids to get rid of longing, sadness, and depressions. An amulet or piece of jewelry made of unakite fills its owner with energy, gives strength to move on, inspires to overcome obstacles and achieve goals, as well as instills faith in a brighter future and enhances self-confidence. Along with that, it dispels negativity, teaches to enjoy life, reveals bad intentions, and helps find what is lost.
For people who wish to strengthen their spirituality and open the so-called "third eye", unakite will be a faithful assistant. It will remove all obstacles on the path to enlightenment. It is also a powerful amulet that protects against the evil eye, curses, envy, and ill-wishers. At the same time, if you wear your amulet for too long, it can make you callous and mercantile. You should take it off once in a while and perform purifying rituals to flush the negativity it may accumulate.
Unakite for Sale Courtesy of KenKenGems
Unakite isn’t precious but it is indisputably charming. Get this marvelous variety of graphite for your jewelry and it will help you command every room. KenKenGems supplies polished and faceted unakites in various shapes: spheres, ovals, cubes, roundel, coins, chips, and others. They are arranged as strands and half-strands, loose stones are available as well. All these pieces are carefully selected to guarantee high quality, are certified, and competitively priced.
